Coming Out

Many people living with Parkinson’s struggle to talk about their diagnosis. Fear, stigma, and uncertainty can keep people silent for years. Even Michael J. Fox kept his Parkinson’s diagnosis private for almost a decade.This week on 2 Parkies in a Pod, we meet Scott and Paul, who share powerful, deeply personal coming out stories — not just about Parkinson’s, but about identity, isolation, and finding the courage to be seen.Paul reflects on how closely his Parkinson’s journey mirrored his experience of coming out as gay:“I guess I dealt with Parkinson’s in the same way I dealt with realising I was gay… by not talking to anyone about it for many years"Scott speaks honestly about living with Parkinson’s while single, gay, and without family support:“Being single, gay, with no family support, I did feel very isolated — and there weren’t many people I could see in the community that I had anything in common with.”In one of the episode’s most raw moments, Scott also opens up about experiencing suicidal thoughts and explains how the helplessness he felt during tests for deep brain stimulation treatment resurfaced memories of past sexual abuse. His honesty shines a light on the complex mental health challenges faced by many people with Parkinson’s — challenges that often remain unspoken.This is a story about vulnerability, survival, and connection. A story of adversity, community and ultimately ...gratitude.Parkinson’s and The Invisible Man (Scott’s YouTube channel)https://www.youtube.com/@ParkinsonsandtheinvisiblemanParkinson’s UK Mental Health https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information/symptoms/behavioural/mental-healthPodcast Clubhttps://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/young-onset-parkinsons-online-groupLGBTQIA+ Networkhttps://localsupport.parkinsons.org.uk/activity/lgbtqia-network-meeting-onlineDBS Networkhttps://forms.gle/ApDHqGaDF38n6wYa7Join our yoga grouphttps://dawnwilliamsyoga.co.uk1 in 3 living alone research insightshttps://denpruexeter.nihr.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DeNPRU-Exeter_living-alone-with-a-progressive-neurological-condition_policy-brief.pdfPar-Con 2025 mental health videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-PwOYRSe4Q&list=PL1ixQpbHed3Y9_jS-WuZePcFa7N_O7aNi&index=7&pp=iAQB0gcJCSkKAYcqIYzvHear Me charityhttps://www.parkinsons.me/hearmeNutrition PDhttp://prksn.uk/47RAlmuPlease rate, review and subscribe to the podcast Contact us at:[email protected]